The role of continuous flow centrifuge leucapheresis in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Continuous flow centrifuge leucapheresis (CFCL) provides a simple, mechanical technique for removing large numbers of circulating lymphocytes without cytotoxicity. Seven sequences of CFCL were performed on six patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In six, the median course consisted of six procedures in 10 days. A median total of 27.7 X 10(11) leucocytes were removed and a 70% drop in leucocyte counts (from 433 X 10(9)/l. to 130 X 10(9)/l.) was observed with little fall in haemoglobin and platelet counts. Tissue massess decreased in two patients. A similar effect was seen in one patient managed less intensively with 21 procedures being performed over 73 days, removing a total of 87.6 X 10(11) leucocytes. The peripheral leucocyte count decreased from 760 X 10(9)/l. to 114 X 10(9)/l. and hepatomegaly diminished markedly. One patient has survived for over 9 months since CFCL but stayed in control only briefly after each of two courses. Short courses of daily CFCL can produce short-term benefit in the management of advanced CLL but at present its main value is as an investigational form of therapy which provides a unique opportunity to study the cytokinetics of advanced CLL without the complications of superimposed cytotoxic therapy.